Now today it finally feels like Christmas around our house, day one of our official time together over the holidays as a complete family! I say day one because today Zach is home from the hospital, after several days of high fever, IV antibiotics, blood transfusions and worry. Hospital days are always a concern to us all as our Zach has no real means of fighting off any infection because his hemoglobin, neutrophils, and white blood cell counts are almost non-existent. So now we can start celebrating our family together, close by every day, again feeling the power of love and faith.We have been so blessed to have Zach home with us over Christmas, I was sure we would be far away from family and friends this month, which would have made life even harder for Zach and all of us I guess.We know that nothing will separate us now, Zach's older Brother is home on leave from the Military, and Donna, Rayne and I are so happy to see them together, laughing, sitting in the same room, always ready to try and best each other no matter what the activity may be. Brothers in so many ways, not just because the same blood curses through them, but a common bond of love, respect, and hope for better days ahead is in their hearts. Riley is very protective of his little Brother, but likes to keep Zach on his toes, ensuring he continues to grow stronger every day. Rayne of course keeps us moving in the right direction, she really binds us together, and makes sure her little Brothers every need is met. Nothing dare get in her way when it comes to Zach, and caring for the whole Cook Clan. My Donna, there is not enough time in a day to explain how much I love her, admire her, without her running the ship, leading the charge, lost we would be! She is our Angel on earth, anyone who knows her will agree, Donna is the definition of Mother, wife and best friend. I find it easy these days to feel sad, or question why, like I have done since June 19th, but hearing their voices is just so reassuring, and really does take me back to easier times, when the only worries I had didn't scare me as much.Zach was prepared for another hospital stay as he always is, planning on how he will deal with the pain, the treatment, and how he will manage to escape when he decides its time to come home. The Nurses are always so kind and gentle with him, and let him know they are so glad to see him, without letting him know they wished a hospital stay was not needed. Our family Dr. is such a special caring man, who without fail, regardless of the time of day, is there making sure treatment is well organized, like only Dr. Surkan can.You can see by the way Zach looks at them all, that he trust the staff, and he will get better because of them!

As I follow the other families fighting cancer, I pray for health and happiness not only during this Christmas season, but into the New Year, and I ask God to take the cancer out of every person, to give a full life of health, family and friends, to everyone! As horrible as this disease is, it has made me realize again that there are so many loving, supportive people in this world, praying and keeping our Zach in their hearts and thoughts every day. As our Zach gets closer to his surgery date, our prayers are even stronger, if that is possible, and I know I have said this before, but our family thanks you all, our family, friends, and strangers for your love, your prayers, and the uplifting strength you continue to give Zach, Donna, Rayne, Riley and me. I will never forget your kindness, and hope someday to be able to repay your love in some way,

The Cook family wishes you all a very Merry Christmas, the best in health in the New Year, and that God may hold and bless you as you face the challenges of life...............Thank you is not a strong enough word to express how very grateful our family is for you all, take good care, and be safe always!

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Hello everyone my name is Jim Cook, and I am Zach's Dad. The whole purpose behind this blog is to be able to reach out to families that are going through treatment for this rare cancer, and actually all cancers! Our family would be honored to hear all your stories and follow along as your loved ones seeks treatment. We will be sharing our Son Zach's journey as we as a family move forward in our search for the best treatment and CURE for our Zach!